Prizefighter awaits for Chris Truman

Aston's Chris Truman is expecting British champion Gary Sykes to walk away as the winner of Prizefighter - if he doesn't have to go through him first.

Truman will have one of the best seats in the house for tonight's eight-man, one-night, winner-take-all tournament, as one of two reserves for the competition along with Scottish title contender Richard Barclay.

Sykes' inclusion raised eyebrows among fight fans as he already holds the Lonsdale belt at super featherweight, but defeat at London's York Hall could have severe repercussions as Danny Williams was nearly stripped of the British title after his first-round exit last year.

But Truman believes the champion's gamble will see him overcome Scott Lawton in the first round on route to a final with Choi Tseveenpurev.

'The Trumanator' said: "I saw Choi at the check weigh-in and he's in fantastic shape, his legs were massive and he looked very strong. I can imagine it will be him and Gary Sykes in the final, if I don't get in!

"I would probably go for Gary to win it, if he boxes and moves he could outwork him."

All Truman can do is sit and wait backstage in the hope that someone pulls out after the tournament has started, when a coin toss would then decide whether he or Barclay would be called upon.

Should any of the eight fighters be cut or injured, it would open the door.

It does happen but has only been the case twice in 15 outings, both this year, with Nick Okoth called into the semi-final of the cruiserweight addition in April and Paul McElhinney brought into the final of the super bantamweight tournament in May.

Dreams can come true at York Hall and Truman will be hoping they will tonight, but will box at Birmingham's Holiday Inn on December 6 if it doesn't come to pass.

However, the punching window cleaner will be waiting during Tseveenpurev versus Ben Murphy, Gary McArthur taking on Derry Mathews, Sykes' task in hand against Lawton and Stevie Bell's match up with Gary Buckland with baited breath.

Truman said: "I just want to get in there and box, so I am going there for a fight. I will get in there with any of them and I know I would do well. I am not doubting myself, I can upset any of them.

"I got my hopes up when Kevin O'Hara pulled out and then somebody else was brought in, Ben Murphy is a strong lad but I was disappointed. I have just had to get on with it and all I can hope for now is that someone pulls out tonight.

"But I have still got a good feeling about it."